You’re used to thinking that winter is the season to worry about when it comes to your immune system, but autumn (beautiful as those changing leaves may be) can actually bring on ailments of its own. Watch out for these sneaky reasons that your favorite season might make you sick:
School Is Back in Session
A classroom full of kids can get germy fast, and that might affect you even if you don't have kiddos of your own. “Shared spaces such as schools and offices are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory illnesses,” says Kevin R. Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.C. Parents are more likely to pick up germs from their school-age children, and they could bring those same infections into the workplace or to the lunch date you have planned with your friends. The fix? Make sure to wash your hands as often as possible, especially after spending quality time with kids.
MORE: 7 Fall Fruits and Veggies That Are PACKED with Nutrients
You’re Getting Less Sleep
The working world mellows out from June to August—hello, summer Fridays—so the fall tends to mean getting back on your usual schedule and catching up on work that may have stalled over the summer. That more strenuous schedule can often mean less sleep, says Campbell. “It has been proven that when we get less sleep than we need, our immune systems are no longer able to fight off infection as well as they could when we were getting adequate amounts of sleep.” Let your body repair with these 15 ways to sleep better tonight.
There Are New Allergens in the Air
Spring isn’t the only time when you might find a persistent drip from your nose. “There are different types of pollen and dust in the air as the seasons change,” says Campbell. Fall’s worst culprits are ragweed and types of mold. Again, wash your hands often to keep the allergens off your skin. Then check out these tips to crush seasonal allergies.
MORE: 10 Weird Things That Destroy Your Immunity
The Days Are Getting Shorter.
Notice that you're often leaving work when it's already dark out these days? Yeah, it's not fun. “Typically our moods can be greatly affected by the amount of sunlight that we receive daily,” says Campbell. And while seasonal affective disorder tends to flare up in the winter months, this changing schedule can bring it on, too. If you think this might be an issue for you, Campbell suggests talking to your doctor about possible treatments, like therapy, medication, or even a sun lamp.
Temperatures Are All Over the Place
It’s tough getting dressed for work when it’s 40 degrees in the morning and 70 by lunchtime. While the temperature itself won't make you sick (no matter how many times your grandma warned you about catching a cold when it's freezing), some ailments can be exacerbated by this sudden chilliness. For instance, this cold weather can trigger asthma and worsen respiratory illnesses, says Campbell. So remember to wear tons of layers these days, even if you're desperately trying to hold on to warmer weather. (We suggest one of these adorable—and warm—varsity jackets!)
MORE: 11 Healthy Ways to Treat Yourself This Fall
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